Employees at Elmbridge Council have teamed up with neighbourhood police and businesses to tidy an area of Thames Ditton.

The group of volunteers removed undergrowth and painted out graffiti at Ash Path in a bid to improve the appearance of the area.

The clean-up was part of the council volunteering scheme, Community Time, which gives all employees eight paid hours annually to give something back to the community.

Mike Lockwood, chief executive at Elmbridge council said: "Last year I helped with the Message in the Bottle initiative, which assists older, vulnerable people living alone. It provides a free bottle, kept in the fridge, containing vital information on the householder to aid emergency services.

"This year I thought I would help, along with others, to clear up the large fence covered in graffiti at Ash Path. The result has made a big difference to the look of the area."

The event also formed part of the Elmbridge Community Partnership initiative, "we are what you do".

The campaign wants residents to make one or two small changes to help improve life in Elmbridge.

So far, people have pledged to participate in more than 1,200 everyday actions since its launch in July.